Question : Coastal Regulation Zone

(a) whether the Government has recently amended and notified new Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) 2018;
(b) if so, the reasons the reforindicating the difference in objectives in comparison to the CRZ notification, 2011therein;
(c) whether it is a fact that the new regulations allow development of infrastructure which will destroy the ecology of coastal areas and increase the vulnerability of coastal people to natural disasters;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the extent to which the new notification is likely to affect/benefit the people?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
(SHRI BABUL SUPRIYO)

(a)&(b) Yes sir.The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has received representations from various coastal States and Union territories, besides other stakeholders, regarding certain provisions in the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, 2011 related to management and conservation of marine and coastal ecosystems, development in coastal areas, eco-tourism, livelihood options and sustainable development of coastal communities etc. In order to streamline the process of clearance under CRZ regulations and in view of reasons stated above, the Ministry in supersession of the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification, 2011 have notified a new Coastal Regulations vide G.S.R 37(E), dated 18th January, 2019. The salient features of the new notification are:

• Allowing FSI as per current norms in CRZ areas.

• Densely populated rural areas to be afforded greater opportunity for development. Accordingly, for CRZ-III (Rural) areas, two separate categories have now been stipulated as: (a) CRZ-III A – These are densely populated rural areas with a population density of more than 2161 per square kilometre as per 2011 Census. Such areas shall have a No Development Zone (NDZ) of 50 meters from the HTL as against 200 meters from the High Tide Line stipulated in the CRZ Notification, 2011; and (b) CRZ-III B – Rural areas with population density of below 2161 per square kilometre as per 2011 Census. Such areas shall continue to have an NDZ of 200 meters from the HTL;
• Tourism infrastructure for basic amenities promoted: Temporary tourism facilities such as shacks, toilet blocks, change rooms, drinking water facilities etc. have now been permitted in Beaches. Such temporary tourism facilities are also now permissible in the “No Development Zone” (NDZ) of the CRZ-III areas as per the Notification. However, a minimum distance of 10 m from HTL should be maintained for setting up of such facilities. Eco-tourism shall be promoted in CRZ-I areas as well with adequate safeguards.
• CRZ Clearances streamlined: The procedure for CRZ clearances has been streamlined. Only such projects/activities, which are located in the CRZ-I (Ecologically Sensitive Areas) and CRZ IV (area covered between Low Tide Line and 12 Nautical Miles seaward) shall be dealt with for CRZ clearance by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The powers for clearances with respect to CRZ-II and III have been delegated at the State level with necessary guidance.
• Restrictions in Mainland Islands streamlined: A No Development Zone (NDZ) of 20 meters has been stipulated for all Islands, for islands close to the main land coast and for all Backwater Islands in the mainland.
• All Ecologically Sensitive Areas have been accorded special importance: Specific guidelines related to their conservation and management plans have been drawn up as a part of the CRZ Notification.
• Pollution abatement has been accorded special focus: In order to address pollution in Coastal areas treatment facilities have been made permissible activities in CRZ-I B area subject to necessary safeguards.
• Defence and strategic projects have been accorded necessary dispensation.

(c)to(e) The new Coastal Regulations issued vide notification G.S.R 37(E), dated 18th January, 2019 have been framed after undertaking wide ranging consultations with all stakeholders and based on the recommendations of a Committee of Experts constituted specifically for the task of scientifically addressing the issues of the coastal region. This new regulation has laid emphasis on conservation and protection of eco-sensitive areas which was not available in the CRZ Notification, 2011. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change have also got demarcated the ‘hazard line’ for the entire coast of the country, which shall be used by the States as a tool for disaster management plan for the coastal environment, including planning of adaptive and mitigation measures.This new regulation has laid emphasis on conservation and protection of eco-sensitive areas which was not available in the CRZ Notification, 2011. The new notification is expected to go a long way in meeting the aspirations of the people in particular the coastal community.



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